Dive! Dive! Man the torpedoes! I've always wanted an RC submarine because something about them is just very cool. Enter the Hobbico Sea Scout which is a 3 channel ready to run micro R/C submarine. This small wonder comes out of the box ready to run (just add six C sized cells to the charging unit and one 9V for the transmitter requires on 9V battery -not included) and you can be the captain of your very own submarine in your pool, bathtub or even a fishtank! It dives, surfaces, turns and goes forwards and backwards. The front of the sub has a pair of working red LED lights to aid in your underwater explorations. Also a rechargeable NiMh battery comes installed in the Sea Scout

The unit is available on both the 27mhz & 49mhz frequency so up to two subs can be operated simultaneously. In the box comes the 3 channel transmitter (requires one 9V battery), the submarine, the charging unit (requires 6 C cells - not included), a spare on-off "nose button" and spare rubber nose plug.

The packaging	Included in the box	Size reference 5"

To get the submarine ready for the water all you have to do is install six C cells into the charging unit and a 9Vcell into the transmitter. Simply remove the single screw on the charging unit, install batteries and replace the cover. On the side of the unit is an off-off switch and a charge button. See the photos below. Next install a single 9V battery into the back of the transmitter.

Remove screw & cover	Install Batteries	On-Off switch and charge button

To charge the sub first remove the plastic nose plug from the front of the unit (see pic below). When this plug is inserted it acts as an on-off switch. When removed the power connection is established and the sub is "on".

Pull to remove nose plug	Plug removed	Charging hole exposed

Grasp the charge plug from the charger and insert into the hole in the sub. Place the submarine onto the top of the charger which has a molded "cradle" to hold the sub while it charges. Next turn the charger switch to the on position and you will note two green lights on the charger illuminate. Last press the small button labeled "charge" to begin the charging process which typically takes about 10 minutes. The LED will begin flashing red to show charging is in process and both will turn green when charging is complete.

Once complete pull the charging plug out of the sub and insert the little rubber plug into the hole to seal it up. It is now ready for action.

Charging Plug	Charging plug inserted	Charging in process

Fully charged	Front view of charger	Cradle holds submarine

Controlling the submarine is quite easy. There are 2 props and each is powered by its own motor. Two in the rear for forward, reverse, left and right. A third motor in the middle which lets you dive and surface quickly. Pushing the left stick up will activate both rear props and pushes the sub forward. Pull back on it and you go in reverse. There is a small trim tab on the bottom of the sub (seen below) which you can use to make adjustments to ensure the sub tracks straight.

The right stick controls the steering. Move the stick right and it activates the left rear prop which moves the sub to the right. Move to the left which activates the right rear prop and moves the sub to the left. Push the dive button to submerge the craft and push the surface button to bring it back to the surface.

There is a safety factor in that the submarine is buoyant so if you lose radio control the sub will rise back to the surface. Because of this you sometimes have to "blip" the dive button to maintain depth while cruising underwater.

Rudder trim tab in rear	Navigate in any direction!	Transmitter functions

The Sea Scout is designed for use in fish tanks, pools, bath tubs and not intended for use in oceans, lakes, ponds, creeks, rivers or any other free flowing body of water. I ran it in my bathtub with the water running to see what would happen and the tiny ship will get tossed about in strong currents which is why Hobbico warns to stick with tanks/pools/tubs.

The Sea Scout submarine is a fun little craft for kids and even adults. I ran mine in a small tank and in the bathtub and this little thing is a lot of fun. My son was dropping toy depth charges at it trying to sink it and had a blast driving it as well. If your looking for something a little different check out the new Sea Scout Submarine from Hobbico.

Rear props	Working lights!	Cruisin' around in the tank